When your Ariston washing machine displays a fault code, it is the machine’s way of telling you exactly what is wrong. Each code maps to a specific system failure, whether that is a blocked drain pump, a faulty door interlock, or a heating element problem. This guide covers every Ariston washing machine error code across the standard range, LCD EVO1, and LCD EVO2/V4 model series, so you can diagnose and fix the problem without guesswork.
Important: If your Ariston washing machine has no digital display, error codes are communicated through LED flashes. Count the number of consecutive flashes and that number is your fault code. For example, 5 flashes means F05.
Table of Contents
- Ariston Standard Range Washing Machine Error Codes
- Ariston LCD EVO1 Fault Codes
- Ariston LCD EVO2 and V4 Fault Codes
- Troubleshooting Tips Before You Call an Engineer
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ariston Standard Range Washing Machine Error Codes
These fault codes apply to the Ariston standard washing machine and washer dryer range. On machines without a digital display, count the LED flashes to identify the code.
| Error Code | Fault Description | Cause | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| F10 | No Cold Fill | Machine is not receiving cold water and the drum will not fill. | Check cold water tap, inspect hose for kinks, clean inlet valve filter, replace solenoid if faulty. |
| F11 | No Hot Fill | Machine is not receiving hot water. Temperature may be too low. | Ensure hot tap is open, check for frozen pipes, inspect hose and clean inlet filter. |
| F12 | No Mixed Fill | Machine cannot detect both hot and cold water filling. | Open both taps, check hoses, clean filters, remove limescale buildup. |
| F13 | Water Supply / Valve Fault | Issue with water supply, valve, or hose connections. | Check pressure, inspect connections, test inlet valve with multimeter. |
| F14 | Water Heating Fault | Heating system failure prevents cycle completion. | Test heating element, check wiring, inspect thermal fuse, replace if needed. |
| F15 | Drain Pump Fault | Water not draining; risk of overflow. | Clean pump filter, raise hose height, check for blockages. |
| F16 | High Water Level | Dangerously high water level detected. | Turn off water, check pressure switch and hose, inspect inlet valve. |
| F17 | Door Not Closed | Door not securely locked. | Close firmly, check seal, inspect latch and interlock. |
| F20 / F21 | Thermistor Error | Temperature sensor out of range. | Move to warmer area, test thermistor, check wiring. |
| F30 / F31 | Motor Drive Fault | Motor circuit issue affecting drum spin. | Restart program, check brushes and motor, may require technician. |
| F40 | Low Water Level (Heater Risk) | Heating element exposed above water. | Stop cycle, check water supply and pressure switch. |
| F41 | Water Level Detection Fault | Incorrect water level reading. | Inspect pressure hose, clean/blockage check, replace switch if faulty. |
| F50 / F51 | Settings Not Saved | Program/language not stored in memory. | Reprogram settings; if issue persists, EEPROM may need repair. |
Ariston LCD EVO1 Washing Machine Fault Codes
The LCD EVO1 range features a more detailed diagnostic system than the standard range. These codes appear on Ariston models with an LCD display panel. Note that on EVO1 machines, F10 refers to a pressure switch fault rather than a water fill issue.
| Error Code | Fault Description | Cause | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| F01 | Short Circuit, Motor Triac | An electrical short circuit has been detected in the motor control triac on the PCB. | Switch off the machine immediately. A qualified engineer is required to inspect and repair the control board or wiring. |
| F02 | Motor Jammed, Tacho Detached | The drum motor is stalled or the tachometer sensor is disconnected. | Check drum movement, remove obstructions, inspect motor and tacho connections. |
| F03 | Thermistor Fault | Temperature sensor failure or wiring issue. | Test thermistor resistance and replace if faulty. Check wiring connections. |
| F04 | Pressure Switch Error (Empty) | Switch incorrectly indicates drum is empty. | Inspect pressure hose, clear blockages, test and replace switch if needed. |
| F05 | Pressure Switch Error (Full) | Switch stuck on full, possible flood risk. | Clean drain filter, check hose, test pressure switch and inlet valve. |
| F06 | Programme Selector Error | Selector dial not communicating properly. | Rotate dial fully, check wiring, replace selector if faulty. |
| F07 | Heater Relay Stuck | Relay stuck closed, overheating risk. | Turn off immediately. Requires PCB repair or replacement. |
| F08 | Heater Not Activating | Control board cannot switch heater on. | Check wiring, test heating element, inspect PCB relay. |
| F09 | EEPROM Memory Fault | Control board memory issue. | Requires reprogramming or board replacement by technician. |
| F10 | Pressure Sensor Fault | Incorrect water level detection. | Clean hose, test pressure switch, check PCB connections. |
| F11 | Drain Pump Fault | Pump not responding. | Check wiring, clean filter, test pump motor. |
| F12 | Communication Error | Boards not communicating. | Inspect wiring harness and connectors, replace faulty board if needed. |
| H20 | Water Supply Issue | No water entering machine. | Open tap, check hose, clean inlet filter, ensure proper pressure. |
| LOCKED | Door Interlock Error | Door not unlocking or locking properly. | Wait 2 minutes, check drain system, inspect door lock mechanism. |
Ariston LCD EVO2 and V4 Washing Machine Fault Codes
The EVO2 and V4 series are more recent Ariston models featuring updated electronics. They share most fault codes with the EVO1 range but add two new codes, F17 for a door interlock error and F18 for an internal communication fault. F09 on EVO2 is described as a generic setup error rather than an EEPROM-specific fault.
| Error Code | Fault Description | Cause | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| F01 | Motor Triac Short Circuit | Short circuit detected in motor control triac. | Switch off immediately. Requires PCB inspection by a qualified engineer. |
| F02 | Motor Jammed / Tacho Detached | Motor not rotating or speed sensor disconnected. | Check drum movement, inspect tacho connection, test motor brushes and windings. |
| F03 | Thermistor Fault | Temperature sensor failure or wiring issue. | Test thermistor resistance and replace if faulty. Check PCB wiring. |
| F04 | Pressure Switch (Empty) Fault | Switch stuck indicating empty drum. | Inspect pressure hose, clear blockages, test and replace switch. |
| F05 | Pressure Switch (Full) Fault | Switch stuck on full, risk of flooding. | Clean drain filter, check hose, replace pressure switch if needed. |
| F07 | Heater Relay Stuck Closed | Relay welded closed causing overheating risk. | Turn off immediately. Requires PCB repair or replacement. |
| F08 | Heater Relay Cannot Activate | Control board cannot activate heater. | Check wiring and heating element. Replace PCB if relay faulty. |
| F09 | EEPROM Fault | Memory/configuration error in control board. | Try reset. If persists, board needs reprogramming or replacement. |
| F10 | Pressure Sensor Fault | Incorrect water level detection. | Check hose, test switch, inspect PCB connections. |
| F11 | Drain Pump Fault | Pump not responding. | Clean filter, test pump motor, inspect wiring. |
| F12 | Communication Error | Boards not communicating. | Check connectors, inspect wiring loom, replace faulty board. |
| F17 | Door Interlock Error | Door not locking properly. | Close firmly, check seal, inspect interlock switch. |
| F18 | Microprocessor Fault | Internal communication error in control board. | Reset machine. If persists, replace control board. |
| H20 | Water Supply Issue | No water entering machine. | Open tap, check hose, clean inlet filter, ensure proper pressure. |
Troubleshooting Tips Before You Call an Engineer
Before booking a repair visit, try these steps first. They resolve the majority of Ariston washing machine fault codes and cost nothing.
Perform a Hard Reset
Turn the machine off at the mains wall socket and leave it unplugged for 60 seconds. Plug back in and restart the machine. This clears temporary error flags stored in the control board memory. If the code does not return, the fault was a one-off and the machine is fine to use.
Clean the Drain Pump Filter
The drain pump filter is the single most common cause of fault codes on Ariston washing machines. It is located behind a small rectangular access panel at the bottom-front of the machine. Place a towel and shallow tray underneath, unscrew the cap slowly, and clear any lint, coins, or debris. Clean this filter every one to two months to prevent recurrence. This fix resolves F05, F11, and F15 in the majority of cases.
Check the Water Taps
Open both the hot and cold taps behind the machine fully. A partially closed tap is the single most common cause of H20, F10, F11, and F12 error codes. After opening the taps fully, run a short wash cycle to confirm the fault has cleared.
Clean the Inlet Valve Filters
Remove the inlet hoses from the back of the machine. Inside each hose fitting is a small mesh filter screen. These collect limescale and debris over time, restricting water flow. Clean them with a toothbrush and a little white vinegar, rinse thoroughly, and refit the hoses.
Check the Drain Hose Height
The drain hose standpipe should be raised to at least 40 to 50cm from the floor. If the hose sits too low, the machine syphons water out as fast as it fills, triggering fill-related fault codes. Secure the hose at the correct height using the hose guide clip that came with the machine.
Close the Door Firmly
Push the door shut firmly until you hear and feel a definite click. Check that no clothing is trapped in the door rubber gasket seal. On EVO2 and V4 models, the door must engage the latch fully before the interlock activates.
Note: Error codes F01, F07, F08, F09, and F18 involve live electrical components on the control board. Always switch off at the mains and contact a qualified Ariston engineer for these faults. Attempting PCB repairs without proper training is dangerous.